Our first SW tank - 180 gal build

Mrfish55 · #1 12-14-2011, 03:16 AM

Fits the space nice, the OSB under the tank concerns me, prone to swelling when wet, could cause a problem down the road. What are the plans for trim?

reefgirl189 · #2 12-14-2011, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

Fits the space nice, the OSB under the tank concerns me, prone to swelling when wet, could cause a problem down the road. What are the plans for trim?

We're planning on this tank not leaking so hopefully the plywood will stay dry (haha!). On a more serious note, we are looking into a liner to put on the platform to protect again potential spills. This is extremely incomplete. We haven't even gotten the chance to put in the sump as the skimmer's pump is not working right now so we are waiting on parts. BTW Is it better to cycle the tank without a skimmer?

Our family friend is a Jman carpenter and he is fabbing up the cabinet/trim pieces for us. Planning to do a full piece that will frame in the tank like a picture frame would. I can't decide if I want a full canopy piece or not..

sphelps · #3 12-14-2011, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

Fits the space nice, the OSB under the tank concerns me, prone to swelling when wet, could cause a problem down the road. What are the plans for trim?

That's not OSB t's standard ply. The whole platform seems weird to me but I assume there's a reason and plan behind it so I'll stay tuned for now.

reefgirl189 · #4 12-14-2011, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

That's not OSB t's standard ply. The whole platform seems weird to me but I assume there's a reason and plan behind it so I'll stay tuned for now.

I was hesistant at first too but now I really like it. It was my husband's idea. It kind of matches our fireplace so it goes with the house decor. Plus it's making maintenance easier for me, I don't have to reposition a stepladder while cleaning.

sphelps · #5 12-14-2011, 03:45 AM

As far as spill protection you should consider something although it's difficult to add something properly with the tank already setup. Spills will happen, 100% for sure it's just a matter of when. That platform will prevent proper cleanup when the spill occurs as it will go behind it and be stuck underneath. I hope the idea of the platform wasn't related to floor protection.

Mrfish55 · #6 12-14-2011, 04:13 AM

I was referring to the wood directly under the tank, not the platform the stand sits on, from the pics it looks to be OSB, in any case looks like you have put lots of thought into it.

Lampshade · #7 12-14-2011, 04:50 AM

Just give it a good weatherproof paint with a sealer, should keep everything happy. I think it will look great once finished, the tank fits so well in the wall having the whole stand and everything flush would have looked off unless it perfectly matched. The only thing that could be a pain is to check when your sitting down if you can see into the lights in the canopy. I used to have a tank beside my TV and i could see the bulbs, it was very distracting when watching TV. haha. Looks great though, good job so far.

reefgirl189 · #8 12-14-2011, 11:58 PM

Tanks cleared up a bit..

And the new NS Apex came in the mail today courtesy of concept aquatics:

Looks like I wasn't the only one excited about the parcel:

reefgirl189 · #9 12-15-2011, 12:00 AM

Yeah, I'm one of those parents who shamelessly posts photos on my kid

And here's the sump getting ready to be hooked up:

reefgirl189 · #10 12-15-2011, 12:02 AM

As far as the platform being not very waterproof we are simply going to seal it and sillicone the edges to wall so that water can't run in behind it easily in the event of a spill.

Also our basement is unfinished so if need be we can access under the platform from the basement if all things go south with this platform.